Monday, May 24, 2010

Doing What Makes You Most Uncomfortable

Have you recently done something that caused you discomfort, anxiety and displeasure? How did that affect you?

Have you worked with somebody that you despised? Have you completed something that you think is a waste of your time? Have you stuck with a project that caused you grievance? What can you learn from these events?

We can be motivated by moving towards, or moving away from something. Pain and pleasure work along this spectrum. Sometimes, we do something just to get it over with. Other times, we do something because it gives us joy.

It is said that ‘That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.’ This sounds like coping mechanisms and adaptation at work. We can learn how to do something, or live with it. Sometimes we have to just live with it.

Stop sticking to one thing. Do other things. Maintain a level of discipline in what you do. Do your chores. Do the hard yards. Leaders may not get to choose all the time. We do what we need to do. Do the right thing, is one such instance.

When is your next such challenge? Do you have a half-marathon, marathon or ultra-marathon ahead? Do you have a project review and report to present soon? Is your department up for audit? When do you have guests in town that you have to take care of? Lead with your head, heart and hands.

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